Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

Explore the ways in which people understand and adapt to living in a variety of settings across time with the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. The Anthropology Major focuses on the study of human diversity and cultural relativism, helping you cultivate an appreciation for the world and its people.

The ways in which culture is created and recorded—through art, communication, literature and music—have greatly evolved over time. By uncovering and analyzing historical artifacts, you’ll develop a deep understanding of global cultures and societies, and in turn better understand specific aspects of your own society. As a result, you’ll be well prepared for careers that require cultural sensitivity and an understanding of cultural differences.

The 123-credit multidisciplinary Anthropology BA curriculum emphasizes the four subfields associated with anthropology: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology. Through the coursework, you’ll develop your research and analytical skills, and you’ll form key skill sets necessary in each of the subfields, including

applying theories to the interpretation of artifacts and other data;

developing research programs and proposals;

formulating hypotheses; and

gathering ethnographic information through participant observation.

Course of Study

In addition to the general Anthropology BA, you may choose to pursue a more tailored course of study in one of the subfields, depending on your individual area of interest.

Students can further tailor their curriculum by selecting the Human Biology concentration or the Visual Anthropology track. The Visual Anthropologytrack is a multidisciplinary program with a broader liberal arts focus in areas such as the social sciences, humanities and media arts. Students develop an understanding of the world’s systems of visual communication and representation. The track is well suited for students interested in artistic performance, communication, digital media, documentary and ethnographic film, popular culture, and more.

Related Graduate Certificates

*College of Science and Technology
**School of Theater, Film and Media Arts
*** Klein College of Media and Communication

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has 22 undergraduate certificate programs for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your Temple education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. Learn more about our tuition and fees.

These tuition costs apply to the 2020–2021 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $16,080.00 per yearOut-of-state: $28,992.00 per year

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond Temple. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. Learn more about the center.

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.

Alpha Lambda Delta is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.

Golden Key is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.

Phi Beta Kappa is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

Supplement your Anthropology Major coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at Temple with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

Undergraduate students are encouraged to join the Undergraduate Anthropology Association. The UAA is a forum in which Anthropology majors and minors can meet one another and interact with professors and graduate students through bimonthly meetings, museum and event trips, student panels, and more.

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer.

Enrich your experience at Temple by participating in the India summer program. Based in the medieval desert town of Dhrangadhra, Gujarat, the program is intended to investigate Indian civilization through an anthropological study of its religious and artistic traditions, ancient and contemporary.